scholarly journals Respiratory Health in a Community Living in Close Proximity to Gold Mine Waste Dumps, Johannesburg, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2240
Author(s):  
Samantha Iyaloo ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
Nisha Naicker ◽  
Spo Kgalamono ◽  
Kerry S. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Mine Dumps ◽  
Low Exposure ◽  
Mine Dump

The effects on respiratory health in populations living close to silica-rich gold mine dumps are unknown. This pilot study related respiratory health and exposure to mine dump dust using two measures of exposure: exposure group, based on distance lived from the mine dump—high (n = 93) (home <500 m from a mine dump), moderate (n = 133) (500–1.5 km), and low (n = 84) (>15 km, control group); and cumulative exposure index (CEI) derived from exposure group and number of years of residence in each exposure group. Participants were interviewed about respiratory symptoms and had chest X-rays and spirometry. We adjusted for key respiratory confounders. No subject had radiological features of silicosis. The high relative to low exposure group had significantly elevated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for upper respiratory symptoms (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.28–5.97), chest wheezing (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.60–8.96), and spirometry-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (aOR: 8.17; 95%CI: 1.01–65.85). These findings were similar for the high relative to medium exposure group, but no significant associations were found for the medium versus low exposure group. Chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis risks did not differ significantly among groups. CEI and exposure group produced similar results. In conclusion, residents residing <500 m from mine dumps had elevated adverse respiratory health effects.

scholarly journals O3A.5 Environmental dust exposure from gold mine waste dumps and respiratory health effects in johannesburg, south africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A22.3-A23
Author(s):  
Samantha Iyaloo ◽  
Tahira Kootbodien ◽  
Nisha Naicker ◽  
Angela Mathee ◽  
Spo Kgalamono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Mine Waste ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Gold Mine ◽  
X Rays ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Waste Dumps

BackgroundThousands of people living in close proximity to gold mine waste dumps (GMWDs), are exposed to wind-swept, silica-rich dust. The effects on respiratory heath consequent on this exposure are largely unknown.ObjectiveTo examine associations between environmental GMWD dust exposure and respiratory health effects in adults.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 93, 133 and 84 people in high (home <500 m from GMWD), moderate (500 m-1km) and low (>20 km) exposure groups respectively. We calculated a cumulative exposure index (CEI) based on exposure groups and years of residence. Participants were interviewed for respiratory symptoms, had chest X-rays (read by three experienced readers for tuberculosis and silicosis) and spirometry. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the effect of dust exposure on respiratory health, and multiple linear regression to determine if CEI was associated with% predicted FEV1 and FVC. We adjusted for socioeconomic status, smoking and occupational and biomass fuel exposure.ResultsBeing in the high exposure group versus the low was associated with elevated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for upper respiratory (aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.28–5.97) and ocular symptoms (aOR: 4.68; 95% CI: 1.87–11.68), chest wheezing (aOR: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.60–8.96) and spirometry-diagnosed COPD (aOR: 8.17; 95% CI: 1.01–65.85). We found similar associations for the high versus medium exposure groups, but no significant associations in the medium relative to the low group. Exposure had no significant effect on the risks of chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis. We found similar significant results for CEI as for the exposure groups analyses. On linear regression, CEI was not associated with% predicted FEV1, but, surprisingly, FVC was positively associated with CEI. No participant had radiological features of silicosis.ConclusionResidents residing <500 m from GMWDs had elevated aORs for respiratory health effects. Both exposure measures (exposure groups and CEI) yielded similar results.

scholarly journals A Cohort Study on Respiratory Symptoms and Diseases Caused by Toner-Handling Work: Longitudinal Analyses from 2003 to 2013

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 647
Author(s):  
Niina Terunuma ◽  
Kazunori Ikegami ◽  
Hiroko Kitamura ◽  
Hajime Ando ◽  
Shizuka Kurosaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Time Weighted Average

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of toner-handling work on respiratory symptoms and diseases. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1468 workers between 2003 and 2013. The cohort included 887 toner-handling workers and 581 non-toner-handling workers, employed in one toner and copier manufacturing enterprise. Toner-handling workers were subdivided into two groups based on the 8-h time-weighted average toner exposure concentration for each work category in the baseline survey. We compared the incidence of respiratory disease and longitudinal changes in the prevalence of subjective respiratory symptoms among three groups, as follows: High-concentration toner exposure group, the low-concentration toner exposure group, and a control group. The incidence of respiratory disease and changes in the prevalence of subjective respiratory symptoms were similar between the non-toner-handling group and the toner-handling group. In contrast, the odds ratio for yearly changes in the prevalence of wheezing without asthmatic response was significantly lower in the high-concentration toner exposure group than in the control group. At the study site, dust scattering was well controlled and workers used respiratory protection appropriately. These findings suggest that toner-handling work had little adverse effect on respiratory function in a work environment with sufficiently controlled ventilation.

scholarly journals Specific work activities and exposure to respiratory hazards - predictors of lung function impairment among crop farmers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
Sasho Stoleski ◽  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Dragan Mijakoski ◽  
Aneta Atanasovska ◽  
Dragana Bislimovska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Exposure Duration ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Health Impairment

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the specific work activities and occupational exposure to respiratory hazards as predictors of chronic respiratory symptoms development, lung function decline, and respiratory health impairment among crop farmers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed, including 87 crop farmers (mean age: 53.4 ± 7.8 years; and mean exposure duration: 22.9 ± 7.8 years) and 80 office workers as a control group (mean age: 52.7 ± 8.2 years) matched for age, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status. Subjects were evaluated by a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and spirometry testing. RESULTS: Crop farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough (41.4), phlegm (28.7%), and dyspnea (21.8%), than controls (p < 0.05). All mean baseline spirometric parameters were lower in crop farmers, but statistical significance was confirmed only for MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75 (p = 0.003, p = 0.000, and p = 0.001, respectively). Most of the respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with common work activities of crop farmers and all-day exposure to certain respiratory hazards. Age, exposure duration, and their combined effect with smoking habit had a significant effect on forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that occupational exposure among crop farmers is associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline and, together with specific workflow activities, may not only be a predictors of respiratory health impairment, but also a key tool in the creation of preventive strategies.

scholarly journals Reduced Lung Function among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Abaya ◽  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Bente Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Dust exposure is one of the major risk factors for respiratory health in many workplaces, including coffee factories. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction among workers in Ethiopian primary coffee processing factories, compared to a control group of workers. A total of 115 coffee workers and 110 water bottling workers were involved in this study, from 12 coffee and 3 water bottling factories in Ethiopia, respectively. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured interview, using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lung function tests were performed according to the ATS recommendation for spirometry. The coffee workers had a significantly higher prevalence of coughing, coughing with sputum, breathlessness, work-related shortness of breath, and wheezing compared with the controls. The prevalence ratio of work-related shortness of breath (PR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.7) and wheezing (PR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) was significantly higher for the coffee workers compared to the controls. The coffee workers in the age groups 28–39 years and ≥40 years, had a significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s compared to the controls in the similar age groups. The findings indicated the need for longitudinal studies on the possible effect of coffee dust on respiratory health of coffee production workers.

Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms Among cleaners in Governmental Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Comparative Cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biruk Getahun ◽  
Diresibachew W. Haile ◽  
Dessalegn Demeke ◽  
Mekuriaw Mesfine Birhan ◽  
Tigist Tadele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective Respiratory disorders are the most common occupational diseases. Occupational exposures to dust, fumes, chemicals and gases are associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Although cleaning represents a significant part of the working population worldwide, it is a relatively understudied occupation and respiratory health of professional cleaners in hospitals have not been significantly addressed in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the respiratory symptoms of cleaners working in hospital setting. A comparative cross sectional study design was employed on 140 study participants. The study was composed of 70 cleaners and 70 control subjects. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaire. The data was coded, entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results Prevalence of dry cough, productive cough, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain for cleaners was higher than the control group. Cleaners had odds of wheezing 2.05 times (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 0.77-5.50) than the controls. The odds of dry cough among cleaners was 4.7 times than among non-cleaners which was the most prevalent respiratory symptom. Based on the study the risk of developing respiratory symptoms were higher among cleaners than controls (p<0.05 to dry cough and breathlessness).

scholarly journals Acute effects of 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwaves on spatial memory abilities and CREB-related pathways

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhi Tan ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Xinping Xu ◽  
Li Zhao ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Exposure Group ◽  
Acute Effects ◽  
Microwave Exposure ◽  
Calcium Calmodulin Dependent ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwaves on spatial memory and cAMP response element binding (CREB)-related pathways. A total of 120 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: a control group (C); 2.856 GHz microwave exposure group (S group); 1.5 GHz microwave exposure group (L group); and 2.856 and 1.5 GHz cumulative exposure group (SL group). Decreases in spatial memory abilities, changes in EEG, structural injuries, and the downregulation of phosphorylated-Ak strain transforming (p-AKT), phosphorylated-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (p-CaMKII), phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) and p-CREB was observed 6 h after microwave exposure. Significant differences in the expression of p-CaMKII were found between the S and L groups. The power amplitudes of the EEG waves (θ, δ), levels of structural injuries and the expression of p-AKT, p-CaMK II, p-CREB, and p-ERK1/2 were significantly different in the S and L groups compared to the SL group. Interaction effects between the 2.856 and 1.5 GHz microwaves were found in the EEG and p-CREB changes. Our findings indicated that 2.856 GHz and 1.5 GHz microwave exposure induced a decline in spatial memory, which might be related to p-AKT, p-CaMK II, p-CREB and p-ERK1/2.

scholarly journals Prevalence of respiratory abnormalities and spirometric disparities among construction workers in Tangail, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
M. R. Mogal ◽  
M. D. Islam ◽  
M. I. Hasan ◽  
Aklima Akter ◽  
M. R. Mahmod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Marked Rise ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Construction Hazards

Background: Occupational exposure is a significant factor for having respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function in the working population. Construction workers impose a great risk of respiratory diseases since they continuously expose to construction hazards at their working place. The objective of this study was to explore the status of respiratory health of construction workers as well as correlation of blood parameters with it.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among construction workers along with the control group (university staffs) by randomly selecting 50 individuals in each group from September 2019 to February 2020 in Tangail, Bangladesh. Questionaries’ survey was executed followed by spirometry and oximetry. After confirming abnormalities of lung function, blood was drawn for further IgE, ESR, and CRP analysis.Results: Significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea (24%), coughing (30%), sneezing (40%), discomfort of chest (18%) were found in construction workers. In addition, lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, PEF%, FEF25, and FEF2575) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in construction workers compared with control. Furthermore, both IgE (353.57±25.41) and ESR (17.87±5.25) also reported a marked rise in the number of construction workers (p<0.05).Conclusions: It can be concluded from our study that construction hazards might the cause of prevalent respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, and increased inflammatory markers such as IgE and ESR.

Respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities among welders in the welding workplace of the Indian unorganized sector

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Manish Dev ◽  
Arvind Bhardwaj
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Unorganized Sector

BACKGROUND: Welding is one of the most hazardous professions across the globe. Several risk factors are associated with Indian unorganized welding units such as welding gases, fumes and dust particles resulting in various respiratory health problems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, their associated factors and lung function impairment amongst the welders of the unorganized sector in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 283 welders of age group 18–55 years from Punjab, India who responded to the interviewer-administrated respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Also, the lung function parameters of 50 male welders (exposed group) and 50 male non-welders (control group) working in the same environment were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough (38.86%), phlegm (38.86%), shortness of breath (33.56%), wheezing (32.15%), chest tightness (36.40%,) and sputum (34.27%) was reported by the welders. The observed mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio of welders were (3.37±0.175), (2.59±0.16) and (76.63±6.16) respectively and that of non-welders were (3.70±0.15), (3.05±0.25) and (82.49±7.62) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The welders were found to be at significant risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Long working hours, low level of education, hazardous working conditions, lack of implementation of safety laws make welders more vulnerable to health risks. The welders of Indian unorganized sector work without any technical training related to welding and safety. Proper orientation sessions about the workplace hazards and to maintain hygiene at their workplace should be organized. Welders must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Welders should take proper health check-up and medication to sustain healthiness

scholarly journals Respiratory Health Implications among Wet-Blue Leather Tannery Workers of Kasur

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irfan Saleem ◽  
Zulfiqar Ali ◽  
Ali Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Occupational Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases ◽  
Function Tests ◽  
Tannery Workers

Work-related respiratory diseases have imperative role in the globular burden of occupational lung diseases throughout the world. These respiratory disorders can be caused by environmental hazards in the workplace and account for 10-20% of all chronic lung diseases. It is surprising that in Pakistan, scarce data is available on the pulmonary health of tannery workers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the respiratory-specific health status of wet-blue leather tannery workers in Kasur city, Pakistan. A sample of 227 tannery workers engaged in four different tanneries was selected as a sample of convenience. A control group of 112 participants independent from exposure was also selected from the local community. Respiratory health was determined through an adopted symptom-based questionnaire and pulmonary function tests (PFTs). These tests were carried out by using a portable spirometer, during September-December 2019. A multiple Linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the amount of variance in PFTs by demographics and respiratory symptoms. Among tannery workers, the complaints of respiratory symptoms were 27.8% as compared to 21.4% of the control group. While based on the PFTs, total cases of impaired- pulmonary function among tannery workers were 34.3% as compared to 19.7% of the control. A statistically significant relationship was found between age, job duration, education, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary function parameters. This study will contribute to generate baseline data of respiratory health status of the tannery workers. Further studies are recommended to find an association between occupational factors and workplace-related respiratory problems to reduce the burden of occupational diseases. Keywords: Occupational diseases, Lung diseases, Respiratory function tests, Spirometry, Workplace

scholarly journals Reduced Cross-Shift Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2741
Author(s):  
Yifokire Tefera Zele ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Bente E. Moen ◽  
Magne Bråtveit
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Textile Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Textile Factory

Chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction in lung function has been described as a common health problem among textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers from an integrated textile factory. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a cross-shift lung function measurement was performed in 306 cotton dust exposed workers from an integrated textile factory and 156 control workers from a water bottling factory. An integrated textile factory typically has four main production departments (spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment) that process raw cotton and manufacture clothes or fabrics. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by adopting the standard American Thoracic Society questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression analysis were used. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among textile workers (54%) than in controls (28%). Chronic cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness were significantly higher among textile workers (23%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) than in the control group (5%, 17% and 6%, respectively). Breathlessness was the most prevalent chronic respiratory symptom with highest adjusted odds ratio 9.4 (95% CI 4.4–20.3). A significantly higher cross-shift lung function reduction was observed among textile workers (123 mL for FEV1 and 129 mL for FVC) compared with the control group (14 mL for FEV1 and 12 mL for FVC). Thus, workers’ respiratory health protection programs should be strengthened in textile factories.

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